KNYSNA NEWS - Cutting of grass and maintenance of verges has resumed in all wards.

"The existing contracts with current service providers for these duties have been extended until the end of September," explains Acting Municipal Manager Johan Jacobs. 

"A decision taken during the special council meeting of 28 April will allow us to initiate a new tender process and appoint new service providers to take on the responsibility of cutting our grass for a period of three years."

According to Jacobs a standard, market-related rate per square metre will be fixed and applied throughout all wards when the new tenders are awarded. 

The Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of measuring sidewalks throughout the wards. The rate will be in line with that of neighbouring municipalities.

He says service providers have been appointed to cut grass under an existing expression of interest tender for the past three years.

"While the National Minister of Finance awaits clarity on if the previously proclaimed invalidity of the Preferential Procurement Regulations continues to be suspended or not, Council has resolved that the validity period of this existing expression of interest tender be extended."

He encourages interested parties to keep an eye on the media and the municipal website for news regarding the tender.

"We acknowledge the public's dismay with the appearance of certain areas of public grass and verges, and take our responsibility of preserving the beauty of our town seriously. We thank our communities for your patience and support, and ask that you bear with us in the interim.

"We also ask for your assistance in not exacerbating the situation with illegal dumping or littering. Let's work together to create a beautiful, inclusive, innovative and inspired Knysna."

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